What a roller coaster ride life can be. And I’m not happy about that. Today I started reading a book entitled: one simple act Discovering the Power of Generosity, by Debbie Macomber. I like the author. I think I have read everything she has ever written. “It’s bound to be good”, I said to myself. It is good, but not quite what I bargained for.
The book began with a scripture…one that I am familiar with…one that I haven’t thought about lately. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Darn it! I wasn’t much in the mood to be thankful for the circumstances I find myself in of late.
Ms. Macomber goes on to say that she has been keeping a journal of thanks for some years now, and what a benefit that is. She also related a story about Corrie Ten Boom and her sister, Bessie. It seems that Bessie read that scripture while living in the concentration camp. She decided that she and Corrie should do exactly what the scripture said.
One day she thanked God for the flea infested barracks that she and Corrie were assigned to. Corrie took issue with being thankful for the fleas. But low and behold, as it turns out, the problematic fleas were the very reason why the guards never inspected their barracks, for if they would have they surely would have found and confiscated their Bible…their lifeline.
Debbie goes on to relate that she has discovered in her own life the vital link between gratitude and trust. I’m only on page 12!!! So onward I shall read, and hopefully instill an attitude of thankfulness along this unpleasant journey I now travel.
I want to read that book!
It was a good one for sure.